"First of all, I am honoured that this is going to happen. It makes me very proud. Everyone knows that I love Arsenal and that I had a fantastic time at the club," he told reporters.

"For me and my family it was an important period in our lives. Next to that the people were great, the team was amazing and we had a lot of success over the years.

"I will do everything I can to be there when it will be unveiled. It will definitely be a special moment for me which I don't want to miss."

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has also hailed Bergkamp following the news, but expressed disappointment that the announcement had to be brought forward due to a leak.

He said: "It will be a fitting tribute to Dennis' huge contribution to the club that a statue will be on display outside Emirates Stadium in the near future.

"Dennis' quality and style of play will never be forgotten. He is a true legend of Arsenal and it's great to think that so many Arsenal supporters and visitors to Emirates Stadium will be able to enjoy this tribute to such a great player for years to come.

"Dennis and everybody at Arsenal are slightly disappointed that some images have been leaked today of the statue in its development, but this will not detract from the excitement we have for the statue's unveiling in the coming months."